Ingrown toenails are a common source of foot pain but are often misdiagnosed at first.
Many patients think it’s a blister, an infection, or just temporary discomfort. However, the sooner you act, the easier it is to treat.
The 5 signs to recognize an ingrown toenail
- Pain at the edge of the nail, especially when pressing or putting on closed shoes
- Local redness or warmth
- Swelling at the corner of the nail
- Skin that appears to grow over the nail
- Presence of pus, clear fluid, or reddish tissue (budding flesh)
⚠️ An ingrown toenail can be present even without infection. The appearance of localized pain is often the first sign to look out for.
How to prevent an ingrown toenail from coming back?
Here are the simple actions that our podiatrists recommend to prevent recurrences:
✅ Cut your nails properly:
- Always straight: avoid digging into corners
- Never cut too short
- Use clean and disinfected scissors
- If your nail is thick or difficult to cut, consult a podiatrist for professional care.
✅ Choose suitable shoes:
- Sufficient width at the forefoot
- Good ventilation (especially if you sweat a lot)
- Avoid pointed or overly rigid shoes
✅ Adopt good hygiene:
- Dry your feet well after showering
- Change your socks every day
- Monitor changes in the appearance of your nails
What if it’s already too late?
If you experience persistent pain or notice a change around your nail, don’t wait for it to get worse. Our podiatrists can intervene at the first sign to prevent infection or unnecessary surgery.
